Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association
Since its inception in 1989, OPALGA has become one of the largest community based, multipurpose lesbian and gay membership organizations in Illinois.
Message from the Co-Chairs
A number of things were evident at OPALGA’s Annual Meeting held at Oak Park’s Unity Temple on November 18. First, no matter whom you talked to, the recent presidential election came up, and there was a definite feeling of optimism and hope for the future. Second, despite this optimism, there was a universal anger and disgust over what had happened in California with Proposition 8 (and in three other states with slightly different results). Finally, there was serious concern over where we go from here.
As to the first point, there is certainly no doubt that an Obama administration would have to practically banish us all from the country to do any worse than the Bush administration has. Getting the climate of hatred out of the national radar will certainly be a major undertaking of this administration, and whether it is done through the Supreme Court, presidential appointments, or any other method, it seems very likely that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community will fare much better this time around. It is hard to be patient when we all want what should rightfully be ours, but patience must be exercised right now. As angry and upset as we all are about Proposition 8 and its fallout, we must realize that the economy and its turnaround by definition should and must occupy center stage right now. The second point is a given; we are all angry about this situation. It is always dangerous when the majority tries to set rules for a minority. Obama will almost surely weigh in on this subject at the appropriate time. Many of our members wondered why the demonstrations were being held after the election rather than before. Since we don’t live in California, I can’t really answer that. Political minds must have felt that they were on the right track, but unfortunately were not; it has happened before, and it will again. However, from a personal perspective, it almost seems like the anger now is so uniform and well-focused that it bodes well for the future. Thus, let us wait and see as to the final point what is asked of us as we go forward. OPALGA will continue to monitor what is happening in this area, and our Public Policy Chair, Alan Amato, will let us know what action we should take and when. We will then turn to you with our request for your help, and we hope you will join us in this ongoing fight.
Speaking of elections, the optimism and hope seemed to carry over to OPALGA. Out of a membership of approximately 300, we received a whopping 103 ballots! That is just a terrific total, and we thank all of you who voted for showing your concern for the organization. If you haven’t heard, the following individuals were elected:
• As Female Co-Chair, Liz Stallone;
• As Secretary, Kim Hefner;
• As Board members with two-year terms, Shirley Patton, David Rappoport, Greg Raub, and Sherrie Wolfe;
• As a Board member with a one-year term, Bruce Broerman; and,
• As members of the Nominating Committee, Susan Anderson, Donna Karpavicius, and Jim Kelly.
These individuals will all serve the organization well, and we congratulate them on their election. A final thanks again to this year’s Nominating Committee of Susan Anderson, Kim Hefner, Jim Kelly, Dan Salotti, and Davida Williams for a job well-done. The entire process was conducted without a hitch, and we are all grateful for your handling of this important task.
In closing, please accept our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season for you and your loved ones. You will each be receiving our year-end appeal for donations in a separate mailing. We recognize what is happening in the economy, and we realize you are being asked by other organizations as well. Hopefully, you will be able to fit OPALGA into the mix.
All of us on the Board of Directors hope that 2008 ends on a good note for each of you and that 2009 brings even greater success. Cheers!
Around the OPALGA Center
OPALGA Speaker’s Bureau
Jan Grillos, Jim Kelly, Mike Cochran, and I have had a busy fall fulfilling requests from local schools in need of speakers on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues. Since September, we have reached close to 140 students at Concordia University Chicago and Dominican University, both in River Forest. The classes we addressed included two general psychology classes—Theories of Personality and Cultural Diversity—and a hate crimes speaker’s panel. Presentations included personal narratives and Q & A sessions with students. Questions were thoughtful and explored same-sex marriage, parenting, discrimination, and moral issues regarding homosexuality. My personal favorite this fall was from a conservative Christian student who summed it up when he said, “If you think you are right and I think I am right, who is right?”
There is no right and there is no wrong, and that is the beauty of our outreach. We are simply there to share our experience, information, and ourselves free of judgmental accusations or defensive responses for our audience. Just giving of our time and ourselves helps to provide a greater understanding of our LGBT community, even if all they find out is that we are not much different than they are.
Author Night at Spectrum
Thanks to Sylvia Menninga from PFLAG Oak Park for connecting us with author Linas Alsenas, who was in town from his home in Sweden to sign copies of his new history book aimed at teens, Gay America: Struggle for Equality. Alsenas dropped by Spectrum on November 10 to discuss his book, his experiences as an author, and his life in Sweden. He spoke to an audience of close to 20 young adults and signed copies of his book.
Gay America reveals how gay men and women have lived, worked, and loved for the past 125 years. Beginning with the Victorian period and following with five more chapters covering the twentieth and twenty-first centuries through 2006, Alsenas prefaces each historically accurate section with a true story told from a personalized (or fictionalized) point of view, such as the notorious 1892 Memphis murder of Freda Ward by her lover, Alice Mitchell. This technique, combined with abundant archival photos and the author’s accessible writing style, makes the pages fly by almost as if reading a long, compelling story.
OPALGA has a signed copy of Gay America in our lending library.
Library Donations
Thanks to everyone who continues to donate to our lending library. Books do not have to be gay-themed—we are happy to accept any books that you have enjoyed and would like to pass on to us. Thanks to Marie Kuda, who has donated a copy of the Out and Proud in Chicago DVD (which accompanies the book that she donated previously) and The L Word—The Complete Third Season boxed DVD set. We greatly appreciate it.
Bookshelves, File Cabinets Needed
Due to the high number of donations to our library, The Center is still in need of bookshelves. If anyone has any bookshelves that they would like to donate, please call Susan at 708-386-3463 to make arrangements.
We are also looking for file cabinets to store all of our important organizational records. Again, if any of you have file cabinets that you would like to donate, please call Susan at 708-386-3463.
Thanks again
Gay Straight Alliance Outreach
OPALGA’s Peer Outreach Team has provided outreach this fall to 70 high-school students at Proviso West High School in Berwyn and Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park. Our outreach is in conjunction with school Gay Straight Alliances that meet with students weekly after school and invite us out to provide educational programs, HIV prevention programs, and sometimes just to talk about what is going on in the community. This fall, our team—including Andy, Pocha, Navi, Jeanna, and Clarissa—unveiled their original educational game, TransJeopardy. Run as the better-known Jeopardy game on TV, TransJeopardy provides education and information on pioneers in trans advocacy, understanding of trans terms, and important trans people in pop culture. This game has been very well received by students at both schools and has sparked amazing discussions with the young people.
E-Mail Updates
If you have signed up for the Empower E-Updates and you are not receiving them, please send an e-mail to Jan at The Center (info@opalga.org), and Jan will make sure that we have the correct e-mail addresses in the system. Thank you.
Bridge, Anyone?
Unlike Sarah Palin, who specializes in bridges to nowhere, most bridge players are committed to their game. They are passionate about the game but get frustrated trying to find places to play. A couple of individuals have inquired as to whether or not there is any interest in starting up an OPALGA bridge club. The game provides great social interaction and has been shown to be good for you mentally. If you are a bridge player and would be interested in getting a club together, please contact Mike Cochran at cochram1@yahoo.com or call 708-848-8025.
In Memorium
Longtime OPALGA member and supporter Donald A. Woolf, Sr., LCSW of Chicago and Oak Park, passed away on November 13, 2008.
Woolf was a cycling enthusiast, a member of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, and an activist. He was the cherished father of Donald (Erin Christian) Woolf, Jr., and Robert (Cece) Woolf. Woolf was also the very proud and loving “Pops” of Alex Gonzalez and Nicole Woolf.
Woolf was the beloved brother of Maureen (Don Blanchette) Woolf, Catherine (Lawrence) Downey, and Michael (Victoria) Woolf and was adored by many nieces and nephews. His parents, Arthur and Catherine Woolf, preceded him in death.
A celebration of Woolf’s life was held on November 22, 2008, at Unity Church, Chicago.
Donations may be made in Woolf’s name to the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (http://www.cgmc.org) or to Loretto Convent, 1600 Somerset Lane, Wheaton, IL 60187.
Recipe Corner
Several years ago, OPALGA talked about putting together a cookbook containing our members’ favorite recipes. Now, in anticipation of our organization’s 20th anniversary, we have decided that the time is right for this tasty project!
Talk to your family, your friends, and your neighbors to find those recipes that you really enjoy and want to share with other OPALGA members. Please feel free to submit any of your favorite recipes, and be sure to give a credit for the originator of the recipe, if applicable.
All recipes should be submitted to jeziebarth@comcast.net. Please include the word “RECIPE” in your subject line, and be sure to attach your recipe to the e-mail as a Microsoft Word document. Thank you!
In the meantime, we plan to publish a few of the recipes that we have already received in upcoming issues of Empower. Bon appétit!
Hazel’s Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Submitted by Perry Wiggins
3 chicken breasts
6 chicken thighs
12 corn tortillas cut into one-inch strips
1 lb. shredded cheddar cheese
1 12-oz. jar salsa
1 medium onion diced
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 soup-can of milk
Cook chicken, remove skin and bones, and cut into one-inch chunks.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Reserve ¼ of shredded cheese for topping.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl (do not dilute the soups).
Place mixture in a lightly greased 9” x 13” baking dish.
Sprinkle reserved cheese on top.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until top gets bubbly and brown.
Serves 12–15 and is a big hit at OPALGA potlucks!
YYAAC Convened!
OPALGA’s youth committee has now been reinvigorated. We have tried to match the name to the groups we serve, so we are now known as the Youth and Young Adult Advisory Committee (YYAAC). The committee includes some OPALGA old-timers, some current active members, and some youth representatives. Our task is to provide ideas, suggestions, and help in planning very important programs for youth and young adults. We are excited about current plans to sustain the program, add HIV counseling and testing at different venues, and develop various education approaches.
If you are interested in participating, drop an e-mail to Nathan Linsk (nathanlinsk@yahoo.com) or to Jim Aull (jim@chicagoyouthcenters.org).
Message from the Co-Chairs
Elsewhere in this issue, you will have noticed an article discussing OPALGA’s upcoming Annual Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, November 18, at Oak Park’s Unity Temple. This meeting, which is provided for in our bylaws, has as its purpose “to review and evaluate the past year’s activities, to formulate ideas for the coming year, to announce the results of elections, and to set organizational priorities and goals.” We want to extend an invitation to all members to attend this meeting and find out what is going on at OPALGA. The event is free to our members, and hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. In addition, the Annual Meeting gives you a great opportunity to see some friends and have a great time. This year, we will have the added enjoyment of discussing the just-completed presidential election, which promises some stimulating discussion. Give yourself a midweek break, call a friend, and make plans to join us on the 18th for a most enjoyable evening. We hope to see you there.
One of the stated purposes of this meeting is to announce the results of our annual elections. As usual, there has been a committee working behind the scenes to make all of this possible. From drafting all of the documents to actually calling up prospective candidates and urging them to run, their job is often thankless, but it is one of the most important things we do all year. Please join us in giving a huge thank-you to this year’s Nominating Committee, which is composed of Susan Anderson, Kim Hefner, Jim Kelly, Dan Salotti, and Davida Williams. They have done an absolutely fantastic job, and we are all grateful for their time and effort.
Last month in Empower, we published an outline form of the 2008–2010 Strategic Plan, which is currently being used by the Board of Directors as a guide for the future. As with any strategic plan, it is only a guideline, and then the Board makes its decisions as to specific action steps it wants to take in order to implement the plan. As you might have noticed, the plan is divided into four main thematic areas: Membership, Programming, Structure, and Finance. Each of these areas is a major concentration for the Board, and we are currently looking at different aspects of all four as we strive to keep OPALGA moving to the next level. For example,
• In Membership, we want to make your membership one of value and relevance, and we are examining all aspects of how this can be improved;
• Within the area of Programming, we constantly plan and evaluate different programs so that we can make certain they are diverse, well-attended, and innovative;
• Our focus in Structure is that of making certain that our organization is both effective and efficient, and currently we are moving toward hiring our first Executive Director, which will have a dramatic impact on all areas of OPALGA; and,
• Finally, the Finance area needs attention so that we take all steps necessary to assure the financial viability and growth of OPALGA.
One of the first tasks of the newly elected Officers and Directors will be to schedule a Board Retreat so that we can take a close look at this plan together and map out our direction for the coming year. Our purpose in publishing the outline form of the plan was to give you, our members, a close look at the document so that you might understand what we are planning in the future. As always, we welcome your input and invite you to submit any questions, ideas, or other suggestions to our attention at The Center.
With all of the problems going on around us, and particularly with the economy, it is often easy to lose sight of all that we do have. On behalf of the Board of Directors, please accept our best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. May you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday.
HIV Testing—A Personal View
The availability of HIV testing through OPALGA began in April of this year. Since that time, we have tested 48 people. Of those, three have tested HIV+. Although providing HIV tests is new to OPALGA, it is not to me. Prior to my work at OPALGA, I was an HIV counselor at Children’s Memorial Medical Center, where I worked with women and children. Although working at OPALGA and providing much-needed HIV prevention education is a crucial service in our community, I had forgotten how much I enjoy HIV counseling and testing.
Through this program, we are being given the opportunity to provide targeted risk reduction counseling and to work on a prevention plan that is individually tailored to each client we serve. When we give positive test results to a client, it is certainly a challenge, but we also know that we have given information that may save lives. Hector Salgado and I have been able to connect with people in the community to bring them a service to which they may otherwise not have access. HIV testing is free and anonymous, and results are received in 20 minutes.
According to a report from the Cook County Department of Public Health, from 2001–2005, 99 Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) were diagnosed HIV+ in West Suburban Cook County, which includes the Oak Park area. Of these men, 30 were Caucasian, 27 were Hispanic, 39 were African American, 1 was Asian, 1 was Native American, and 1 was unknown.
Knowledge is power in the fight against HIV.
OPALGA tests in the community, at bars, and at The OPALGA Center. If you have an event or group who would like testing, you can contact us to set up an appointment. If you would like an individual test, we can schedule an appointment at The Center. We are also available to talk about whether or not you need a test. For more information, please call us at 708-386-3463.
Recipe Corner
Several years ago, OPALGA talked about putting together a cookbook containing our members’ favorite recipes. Now, in anticipation of our organization’s 20th anniversary, we have decided that the time is right for this tasty project!
Talk to your family, your friends, and your neighbors to find those recipes that you really enjoy and want to share with other OPALGA members. Please feel free to submit any of your favorite recipes, and be sure to give a credit for the originator of the recipe, if applicable.
All recipes should be submitted to jeziebarth@comcast.net. Please include the word “RECIPE” in your subject line, and be sure to attach your recipe to the e-mail as a Microsoft Word document. Thank you!
In the meantime, we plan to publish a few of the recipes that we have already received in upcoming issues of Empower. Bon appétit!
Italian African Sausage
Submitted by Jim Boushay and Rickey Sain
2 lbs. hot Italian sausage
½ c. light brown sugar, loosely packed
4 tbsp. tarragon vinegar
3 tbsp. honey
4 tbsp. Dijon mustard
4 tbsp. soy sauce
splash of water
cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
Sauté sausage until lightly browned. Place in baking pan.
Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour over sausage.
Bake uncovered in a preheated 350-degree oven for one hour.
OPALGA Center Seeks Bookshelves, File Cabinets
The OPALGA Center Library Rejuvenation Project has been a phenomenal success so far! To date, over 100 books have been donated by OPALGA members and friends to The OPALGA Center library—thank you all for your generosity!
The Center is now in need of additional bookshelves to store these books. We hope to organize all of these books in order to create a usable, all-member-lending library. If anyone has any bookshelves that they would like to donate, please call Susan at 708-386-3463 to make arrangements.
We are also looking for file cabinets to store all of our important organizational records. Again, if any of you have file cabinets that you would like to donate, please call Susan at 708-386-3463.
Thanks again to all of you who have supported this project with such enthusiasm, and we encourage you to keep up the book donations!
